What's your view on the design of Steinhart watches?
Disclaimer: First and foremost, please allow me to state upfront that I hold nothing against Steinhart, which is the subject of this post. I certainly hope that this post will not offend any fellow WatchCrunchers here, and I apologise in advance for any hard feelings caused. I mean zero disrespect and have zero intention to drive any hate towards Steinhart.
Whenever I see Steinhart watches, I cannot help to get a feeling that, from the design perspective, they have arguably copied the designs of other brands, in particular and most often seen, Rolex.
Some might argue:
Steinhart models are diver/pilot style-inspired > but i feel like they might have gone a little bit too far with the "inspirations".
Other brands copy each other too > yes, probably; functionality-wise they are going to be similar, e.g. most divers are going to have the timing bezel, GMTs most likely will always have the 24-hour bezel and the GMT hand. However I'm referring more to the aesthetics, such as the colours used in the bezel/dial design/bracelet style, etc.
I understand that Steinhart watches are priced considerably lower than other brands of "higher tier", again, such as Rolex, therefore I respect that they have their unique propositions in their offerings.
I'm simply coming from the design perspective. I would love to hear your thoughts on this. Thanks.
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By “design” you mean looks like a Rolex or everything else? Let’s not beat around the bush.
What's not to love they are copies of high end designer watches
By “design” you mean looks like a Rolex or everything else? Let’s not beat around the bush.
I feel like quite a number of their models look like existing Rolex models. There is however a few that looks like other brands' models. Such as the following, that I feel like might have been inspired by Nautilus.
What's not to love they are copies of high end designer watches
You are absolutely right. Again, I don't hate this brand.
Rolex design, like Steamboat Willy, is public domain. I hear Steinhart makes very good Rolex watches.
They look familiar.
I feel like quite a number of their models look like existing Rolex models. There is however a few that looks like other brands' models. Such as the following, that I feel like might have been inspired by Nautilus.
Might?
There is no “design”, you cannot say any “design” went into this. Adjustment sure, so the lawyers don’t get involved, but there is no “design” here. Don’t have any feelings towards the brand either way, they are not on my radar, but you need to be realistic when you want to consider “design” here. Yes, I extend this out to other brands, and yes, I even think something like the PRX is a bland ”Genta” offcut, but people can buy what they want and enjoy that. Don’t get it twisted.
Steinhart makes great watches. I’ve no issue with how far they’ve gone with their design inspirations. That, plus their price and quality is the whole point.
Steinhart makes great watches. I’ve no issue with how far they’ve gone with their design inspirations. That, plus their price and quality is the whole point.
Interesting collection there!
Pretty much clomage's but a step up in quality over the Ali-brands.
Don't really like the Sub design, so not a fan of the majority of their catalogue, but I like the Explorer one & "Steve McQueen" & would have one.
Interesting collection there!
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, Steinhart has been in around since 2001, so they’re doing something right. I’ve got a few of the brands Steinhart has taken their inspiration from (Rolex,Tudor, Stowa). Is Steinhart as good as the they are? No. Are they great watches nevertheless? Yes.
Design inspiration (ie originality) isn’t the only - or even defining - hallmark of a great product.
The build quality and wear is extremely good for the price.
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, Steinhart has been in around since 2001, so they’re doing something right. I’ve got a few of the brands Steinhart has taken their inspiration from (Rolex,Tudor, Stowa). Is Steinhart as good as the they are? No. Are they great watches nevertheless? Yes.
Design inspiration (ie originality) isn’t the only - or even defining - hallmark of a great product.
I don't hate them. Should be happy that there's a good product out there at a reasonable price.
The build quality and wear is extremely good for the price.
Part of the reason I've written this post is due to the fact that I've never come across Steinhart in real life. I look forward to trying them on one day.
I wouldn't want to own one, because I feel that there are plenty of more original designs out there, especially for the price. I don't buy watches to show people what I have, and even less to trick people into thinking I have something I don't. I feel these very strong "homages" go somewhat into the second direction.
No offence to anyone owning them, like is repeated on this forum quite often: wear what you like and ignore anyone who doesn't like what you have. (As long as it's legal)
Just my opinion, I'd prefer to give my money to someone who builds AND designs a watch 😉
Btw: only talking about the clones, I know that Steinhart has some of their own designs as well, those are not included in the comment
Not a huge fan of the Steinhart homage watches...
But I do really like some of their original designs.
These, in particular,...
You're stretching things a bit by referring to "design" of Steinhart. Less design, more photocopier.
But if someone liked Rolex but didn't want to spend the money, Steinhart are the direction I would point them in. There are plenty of watchmakers who will work with their Sellita/ETA movements.
I didn't want to start the post using the word "copy". I know this word would come from the crowd if I played nice and used the word "design" instead.
I’m about to buy my little nephew his first Swiss watch for his 21st birthday. I’ll buy either an ocean one ceramic 39, or an ocean one titanium. I feel that some of their designs are obviously lifted, but for US$500-$650, (AUD $1k+), I feel they represent excellent value for money. In terms of build quality, I would suggest we consider what brands like Seiko provide for the same money. Horrible straps, misaligned bezel/dial/chapter ring, etc. I think Steinhart designs are exceptionally versatile.
Exactly!
And, how many of the Seiko Fan Boys here saying they would never buy a Steinhart, are blind to the Seiko homages that put Seiko on so many wrists?
Please...at least be consistent if you are going to jump on your soapbox.
I always thought their "Franklin Mint " style full page ads put then in the reproduction category. I'll have to give them a better look from now on.
Only a handful number of brands make their watches distinctive enough to name them without hesitation and doubt. How often can you name a watch after quick glance without reading the logo and be 💯 about it?
Not a huge fan of the Steinhart homage watches...
But I do really like some of their original designs.
These, in particular,...
They do look pretty cool. Perhaps Steinhart could consider putting more effort in these original designs.
This Steinhart Moon Phase looks original but 42mm seems a bit large for a dress watch.
This Steinhart Moon Phase looks original but 42mm seems a bit large for a dress watch.
I don't know what's original or not anymore.
I love their Ocean39 line. With Rolex people will think it’s fake off the bat. I was aked in the elevator the one day “Is that a Rolex?” I looked the guy dead in the left eye and said “What is Rolex? This is a Steinhart” (and I pronounced it correctly). Sounds better to me 😝
Besides, who wants to play Rolex’s “games”
I love their Ocean39 line. With Rolex people will think it’s fake off the bat. I was aked in the elevator the one day “Is that a Rolex?” I looked the guy dead in the left eye and said “What is Rolex? This is a Steinhart” (and I pronounced it correctly). Sounds better to me 😝
Must have caught the guy off guard.
Besides, who wants to play Rolex’s “games”
Some people are playing the game not knowing what they are really playing.
Must have caught the guy off guard.
He looked perplexed hahahaha
I feel like Rolex is sort of special, is it more special than other brands? Not sure. Their “brand recognition” has however turned them into a status symbol rather than being appreciated for what they really are in terms of horology, hence it attracts a lot of “less desirable” people wearing them not even knowing what it’s about. Like Ferrari etc. Do I want one? Not sure, maybe…… ^ The above statement is off putting to me personally I feel like its for gangsters and douchbags at present. Perhaps that changes in the future then I can have a Rolex.
Good thread. I'm looking at a Steinhart Triton 1000 Titanium Diver Watch, or possibly something from Christopher Ward.